Q: The Global Infrastructure Challenge 2050 Is An Interesting Initiative To Crowdsource Ideas On Infrastructure From Around The World. How Is HCSS Supporting This Effort?

​We do believe that an increase in infrastructure investment is imperative for sustainable job creation, increased GDP and expanded mobility. There is also a need for innovation and embracing new technologies. They are the key drivers in improving construction productivity and project delivery outcomes.

As an infrastructure construction technology company that has been there for more than 30 years, with a strong innovation culture, we believe that the Global Infrastructure Challenge 2050 is the perfect vehicle to catalyze a conversation around these challenges. More so, our company aims at supporting those who want to help build the future.

JP Giometti - NHEO Institute Board Member and mentor.

Q: We Have Spoken About The Fact That You Are From Argentina - Given That We Are Celebrating Our 12th Global Forum, What Are Some Of The Differences Between The Infrastructure Business In Argentina And The U.S.?

The U.S. and Argentina are two countries that are promoting increased infrastructure investment. Argentina has significant activity around transportation networks. The U.S. is visibly transforming towards a future of electric vehicles, autonomy and ride sharing.

The U.S. is much more advanced in terms of fostering imaginative ways that help in eliminating regulatory impediments, facilitate private sector investments and spur productive conversations between the private and public sectors. This is a by-product of a quality and well distributed infrastructure across the nation.

However, outside the major cities of Argentina, the current infrastructure present does not meet the needs of people. The efficiency of the planning and licensing procedures for the issuance of permits and acquisition of land is very precarious. Furthermore, transparency in procedures for the award of public contracts is very unpredictable compared to that of the U.S.

Q: HCSS And Trimble Are Both Supporting The Global Challenge, Can You Talk A Bit About Your Partnership With Trimble? I Know That You Were Recently In Australia Together.

We announced our collaboration with Trimble in November 2018 as part of an ongoing commitment to transform the way engineering and construction companies deliver infrastructure projects across the globe.

This alliance includes the strategic HCSS product integrations to Trimble's construction software portfolio. Consequently, this enables the projects to be built faster and more effectively.

We are also exploring how best to bring HCSS' leading software applications to key markets globally starting with Australia, New Zealand and the UK this year. Trimble represents the primary sales, marketing and distribution channel for HCSS Heavy Bid, HCSS Heavy Job, and HCSS safety outside of North America.

We were together a few days ago where we visited construction companies delivering infrastructure projects in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, with positive feedback. This is a unique opportunity to provide more value to our shared customers while expanding our combined value proposition globally.

Q: We Have Known Each Other For A Long Time, And My Impression Is That You Are Incredibly Imaginative And Insightful - What Do You See As Key Trends Driving The Infrastructure Industry Over The Next 5 Years? Can Anyone See That Far Ahead?

Change will be the norm over the next 5 years, with more disciplined/private equity type approach towards project selection, project financing, project delivery innovation and increased need for more data-driven decisions.

I envision large asset owners making more technology investments to foster collaboration with critical project stakeholders, increase productivity, reduce risk and add value throughout the entire asset life-cycle.

Technologies such as Industrial IoT, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Digital Twin and BIM will gain adoption and in turn provide increased transparency, accountability and predictability to the progress of projects. As well as creating new business models, products and services.

The ability to access networks of knowledge from a global pool of diverse talent will be key in assembling multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex projects. Organizations like CG/LA will be critical for networking and education.

Permits, approvals, and procurement processes will be digitized and hence reduce informality and corruption.

Disruptive ideas will emerge for transforming the world and making a better place thanks to catalyst initiatives such as the Global Infrastructure Challenge and the power of crowdsourcing.

Q: You Have A Construction Scholarship Program. How Does That Benefit Young People, And Young Professionals?

Every year, HCSS awards $50,000 in Construction Scholarships. We receive hundreds of applications from all over the country. We are very proud of having an esteemed panel consisting of professionals in the construction industry judging the Awards. We ask the participants several questions about their internship experience and how are they are being trained for the future.

You can browse all the entries in our website and read the amazing stories from young professionals working on great projects and doing great things! This is our way of fostering the next generation of construction professionals and inspiring others to embrace a career in construction.

JP Giometti is the Executive Director, Global Strategy and Business Development at HCSS. He is responsible for the Caterpillar, Trimble, and Microsoft relationships. He oversees the long term global strategy, strategic partnerships, technology scouting and innovation.

A recognized leader in the industrial technology sector, JP brings 20 years of unique expertise for improving capital projects outcomes by leveraging exponential technologies, intelligent materials and lean methodologies. Before HCSS, he ran the Global R&D group for Blackstone's geosynthetic materials venture that serves construction and engineering projects. Previously, he launched Hyster-Yale’s smart fleet management and telematics as well as the Motorola’s IoT/RFID technologies across jobsites worldwide.Source: https://www.cg-la.com/intelligence/platform-highlights/original/3874​